ETX family rescues alligator snapping turtle from busy road

An East Texas family says their time together was short, but they were happy to have a surprise visitor Friday morning.

The Gray family found a 42-inch long alligator snapping turtle walking across a busy road near their Rusk County home.

The turtles are known for their nasty bites, so the Gray's knew it had to be handled carefully. They called an area game warden to pick up and relocate the turtle.

"When my husband called and told me he found a turtle, I'm thinking an ordinary turtle, but when I saw the monstrous turtle it kind of scared me," says Precious Gray, the wife of the man who found the turtle.

"There is a black market value on these shells, so I'm excited to work with the Grays before this thing died to get it released into one of the area lakes," says Todd Long, a Gregg County Game Warden.

Alligator snapping turtles are protected in Texas. Anyone who accidentally catches one of wants to have one relocated is asked to call their local game warden.

The Tyler ISD board has approved the renderings of renovation plans for John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools. In May, a $198 million-dollar proposal was passed with 83% of Tyler residents in favor. According to Tim Loper, Tyler ISD’s Director of Facility Services, the plans are designed to give both campuses a new face, have a 21st century design, enhance current programs, and ease traffic flow in the surrounding areas. Cameras are currently used in the high schools, but...More >>

The Tyler ISD board has approved the renderings of renovation plans for John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools. In May, a $198 million-dollar proposal was passed with 83% of Tyler residents in favor. According to Tim Loper, Tyler ISD’s Director of Facility Services, the plans are designed to give both campuses a new face, have a 21st century design, enhance current programs, and ease traffic flow in the surrounding areas. Cameras are currently used in the high schools, but...More >>